movie gifts – Bullz-Eye Bloghttp://blog.bullz-eye.com
men's lifestyle blog, blog for guysSun, 11 Mar 2018 02:41:19 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.102016 Holiday Gift Guide: Movieshttp://blog.bullz-eye.com/2016/12/05/2016-holiday-gift-guide-movies/
Mon, 05 Dec 2016 14:19:05 +0000http://blog.bullz-eye.com/?p=60356While we could easily fill several pages with suggestions of great films and cool box sets that deserve a spot on any holiday wish list, we’ve picked some of our favorites released over the past 12 months. If you can’t find anything worth buying here, then chances are that the person you’re shopping for doesn’t like movies.

Click the links within the write-ups to purchase each product online, and check back throughout the week for more additions to our Holiday Gift Guide.

Captain America: Civil War

“Civil War” has been jokingly referred to as “Avengers 2.5,” and for good reason, because while the movie may be a Captain America sequel in name, it’s a continuation of several different story threads from “Winter Soldier,” “Age of Ultron” and more. Though the film feels a bit crowded at times with all the various characters and cameos (including the introduction of Black Panther and Spider-Man), they never overshadow the central conflict. Unlike “Batman v Superman,” “Civil War” actually gives its characters a reason for fighting, and that goes a long way in legitimizing the ideological and physical clash between its opposing heroes. The movie isn’t perfect – Daniel Brühl’s villainous Zemo is underserved, and the filmmakers ignore a key argument in favor of the anti-registration side – but it does such a good job of balancing the emotionally-charged narrative with some excellent action sequences and fan service that those flaws seem trivial in comparison. “Civil War” is perhaps Marvel’s darkest and most mature film to date, but it still knows how to have fun, and that’s key to its success.

The Nice Guys

Shane Black is to buddy cop films what Raymond Chandler is to hard-boiled crime novels, and his latest movie, the retro detective noir “The Nice Guys,” is arguably his best entry in the genre since redefining the buddy cop formula three decades earlier with “Lethal Weapon.” Although it hits all the usual beats of a Shane Black feature, “The Nice Guys” does so with such remarkable efficiency – brimming with humorous banter, exciting action and even a little heart – that it feels totally fresh. Black and co-writer Anthony Bagarozzi’s dialogue crackles with wit and humor, while the chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe is simply outstanding. The two actors form one of the best double acts in recent memory, and though Crowe is quite good as the sardonic straight man, Gosling is the real standout, delivering a side-splittingly funny physical performance that makes great use of his comedic abilities. “The Nice Guys” doesn’t reinvent the wheel in any way, but it’s a consistently enjoyable flick that reconfirms why Black is the best at what he does.

Sing Street

Writer/director John Carney specializes in making musical fairy tales for the soul, with each film functioning like its own album. If “Once” is his critically acclaimed debut, and “Begin Again” is the more mainstream (but less successful) follow-up, then “Sing Street” is the personal album that gets back to his roots. A semi-autobiographical coming-of-age tale that ranks as one of the most pleasant moviegoing experiences in recent years, “Sing Street” features Carney at his very best. Although there’s not a lot of meat to the story, the film does a good job of tracking Conor’s artistic awakening as he discovers his own identity through experimentation with different musical styles and the awful fashion trends that accompany them. The mostly unknown cast is great, especially Jack Reynor as Conor’s older brother/musical guru, while the original songs (each one better than the last) are catchy enough to believe that the titular band could actually succeed. Though their progress happens a little too easily to be realistic, Carney makes the whole fantasy go down so smoothly that you won’t mind.

Green Room

If Jeremy Saulnier’s slow-burning sophomore effort “Blue Ruin” announced him as a filmmaker to watch, then “Green Room” confirms that he’s the real deal. A brilliantly taut and grisly horror-thriller that defies genre conventions at every turn, “Green Room” is one of the most intense moviegoing experiences in recent years. There’s hardly a single wasted frame in this tightly-paced siege film, turning the screw on its characters (and the audience itself) with some nail-biting tension that doesn’t let up. The violence is gory but never gratuitous, while the lived-in performances – particularly Anton Yelchin’s frightened musician and Patrick Stewart’s surprisingly calm and rational white supremacist – lend an unsettling authenticity to the proceedings. The movie is at its best when the band is trapped inside the titular room, and although the suspense is slightly deflated once the action spills out into the rest of the building, becoming a more visceral affair where duct tape and a box cutter are the primary tools for survival, “Green Room” maintains its vice-like grip on the audience.

Everybody Wants Some!!

Nobody makes “slice of life” movies quite like Richard Linklater. From his directorial debut “Slacker,” to the 1993 cult classic “Dazed and Confused,” to the Oscar-nominated “Boyhood,” Linklater thrives at creating films that you experience rather than simply watch. His latest movie is no different, a spiritual companion piece to “Dazed and Confused” that features the same loose narrative structure. Thankfully, “Everybody Wants Some!!” is so entertaining that the dearth of plot and character development goes largely unnoticed. It’s like hanging out with a bunch of your closest friends for two hours, and while that could have been a disaster with the wrong actors, Linklater’s mostly unknown cast has such amazing chemistry that it all seems effortless. Everyone plays their part, but Glen Powell and Wyatt Russell are the clear standouts, while Zoey Deutch brings a welcome female perspective to an otherwise male-dominated film. Though the forced philosophical discussions are classic Linklater in the worst way, “Everybody Wants Some!!” is a fun and lighthearted throwback to the early 1980s that perfectly captures small-town college life through the director’s nostalgia-tinted glasses.

Finding Dory

Despite its commercial success, “Finding Nemo” wasn’t exactly screaming for a sequel, and yet with “Finding Dory,” Pixar has produced one of their best sequels yet. The movie feels less like a cash grab than a thoughtful continuation of Dory’s personal journey, staying true to what makes the character unique (her short-term memory loss) without being hampered by its limitations, all while finding creative ways to progress the story and further develop Dory as a character. The movie also boasts a better voice cast than the original, including standouts like Ed O’Neill (as a cantankerous octopus named Hank), Ty Burrell (as an insecure beluga whale) and “The Wire” stars Idris Elba and Dominic West (as a pair of lazy sea lions), resulting in several memorable new characters. Hank, in particular, is a visually impressive piece of animation that highlights just how far Pixar has come in the 13 years since the original. Although the film runs a little too long, “Finding Dory” succeeds as a mostly enjoyable sequel that avoids being a complete rehash while still giving fans what they want.

Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

“Dr. Strangelove” may not be Stanley Kubrick’s most popular film, but it’s arguably his best – a pitch black political satire that’s as hilarious as it is frightening. The movie remains one of the funniest comedies in history thanks to some masterful performances, chief among them Peter Sellers, whose comic brilliance is on full display in three very distinct roles. The madcap title character is the showiest of the bunch, but Sellers generates bigger laughs as the more reserved Mandrake and Muffley, including a classic sequence (famously improvised by the actor) where the latter informs the Russian Premier about the unauthorized attack. George C. Scott is also great as the commie-hating General Turgidson, who serves as the perfect foil to Seller’s straight-laced politico, literally chewing up scenery with his ever-growing wad of gum. The duo’s war room scenes are some of the most entertaining moments in the movie, and while that’s partially due to the actors themselves, it’s Kubrick’s ingenious satirizing of the deadly serious source material (Peter Gregory’s 1958 novel “Red Alert”) that makes “Dr. Strangelove” such a revered comic masterpiece.

The In-Laws

Arthur Hiller’s “The In-Laws” may have had its reputation slightly bruised by the 2003 remake of the same name, but it’s an enjoyable odd-couple comedy that succeeds thanks to the great chemistry between stars Alan Arkin and Peter Falk. This is easily one of the best performances of Arkin’s career, earning a majority of the laughs as the neurotic straight man to Falk’s volatile wise guy. There aren’t many actors who can do deadpan humor quite like Arkin, but it’s to the credit of Falk (who underplays the madness of his character) that it works as well as it does. The movie also features a number of great character actors in early roles, although none do so much with so little as James Hong, who shines in an amusing sequence as the co-pilot of a puddle jumper transporting Vince and Sheldon to Central America. Nothing rivals the famous “Serpentine” gag, of course, but there’s enough hilarity packed into Andrew Bergman’s script that it’s surprising the film isn’t better known.

Scream Factory Horror Films

Don’t know what to buy that diehard horror fan in your life? Look no further than Scream Factory, the sublabel of Shout! Factory that specializes in releasing notable (and underrated) cult horror movies, many of which have never been available on Blu-ray. More recently, the company expanded its reach by acquiring the rights to some of the genre’s most popular films and re-releasing them with new digital transfers and bonus material. The best of the bunch is the 40th Anniversary Edition of Brian De Palma’s “Carrie,” which boasts a 4K digital scan of the original negative, as well as never-before-seen interviews and a featurette on the film’s locations. Other noteworthy titles include genre classics like “The Thing” and “Child’s Play,” as well as lesser-known fare like Don Coscarelli’s horror-comedy “Bubba Ho-Tep,” which stars Bruce Campbell as an aging Elvis Presley who must battle a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy when it attacks his retirement home. Not all of Scream Factory’s releases are winners, but they’re all treated as such, and that’s why the company has become so trusted among horror fans.

Shout! Select Films

If horror films aren’t your thing, then Shout! Factory’s latest imprint – a sort of poor man’s Criterion Collection called Shout! Select – may be more your speed. Designed with cinephiles in mind, Shout! Select shines a light on movies that deserve a spot on any film lover’s shelf, from celebrated classics to overlooked gems. Kicking off with the 1984 cult classic, “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension,” other recent titles include the Robert De Niro/Charles Grodin buddy cop film “Midnight Run,” William Friedkin’s “To Live and Die in L.A.” (featuring a new 4K scan approved by the director) and “Bill & Ted’s Most Excellent Collection,” a three-disc box set that includes both movies on Blu-ray together for the first time, as well as several new audio commentaries and retrospectives. Almost every Shout! Select title comes with new bonus material (and in some cases, a new digital transfer), and each spine is numbered for those who want to collect them all. Though that could get pretty expensive over time, isn’t that what the holidays are for?

Fox Ultra HD Blu-rays

With 4K televisions and Blu-ray players slowly making their way into more households, movie studios have embraced the new technology by releasing Ultra HD versions of their latest and most worthy titles. Not every film benefits enough to justify paying twice the price for higher resolution or HDR (high-dynamic-range imaging that offers a much wider array of color and light), but studios like 20th Century Fox have done a good job of selecting titles where consumers will notice the biggest difference. Provided you have the right audio/visual setup, you can bring a theater-level experience right into your home with visually stunning dramas like “The Life of Pi” and “The Martian,” CGI-fueled blockbusters like “Independence Day: Resurgence” and “X-Men: Apocalypse,” and even kids films like “Ice Age: Collision Course.” Although we wish that Fox would actually include UHD digital copies with their 4K discs (after all, it only seems fair), that’s not exactly a deal breaker, at least not until more devices support the format.

]]>2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Movieshttp://blog.bullz-eye.com/2015/11/30/2015-holiday-gift-guide-movies/
Mon, 30 Nov 2015 14:59:47 +0000http://blog.bullz-eye.com/?p=50315These days, if you don’t own a Blu-ray player, you’re missing out, especially with a variety of classic movies being offered in high definition for the first time ever. But while we could easily fill several pages with suggestions of great films and cool box sets that deserve a spot on any holiday wish list, we’ve picked some of our favorites released over the past 12 months. If you can’t find anything worth buying here, then chances are that the person you’re shopping for doesn’t like movies.

Click the links within the write-ups to purchase each product online, and for more gift ideas, check out the other categories in our Holiday Gift Guide.

Back to the Future: 30th Anniversary Trilogy

By this point, you may well be weary of hearing about “Back to the Future,” given how much press the time-travel trilogy received when the first movie hit the big 3-0 earlier this year, but at some point you’ll find yourself wanting to revisit the fun of these three films, and that’s when you’ll want to have a copy of this five-disc set in your collection. In addition to a disc for each of the films, each of which has deleted scenes, “Tales from the Future” documentary segments, audio commentaries and various other bonus material, there’s also a separate bonus disc that includes a variety of additional mini-docs, plus a 2015 message from Doc Brown, two new commercials (one for “Jaws 19,” the other for a Hoverboard), and two episodes of “Back to the Future: The Animated Series.”

The Collected Works of Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki is one the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animation, boasting a unique style that shines through in every one of his fantastical stories. Though Miyazaki’s films are currently available as individual Blu-rays, this 12-disc box set – which is available exclusively through Amazon – is the first time that they’ve been offered in a single collection. All 11 movies are included, from 1979’s “Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro” to 2013’s Oscar-nominated “The Wind Rises.” In addition, there are several hours of bonus material that are perfect for the Miyazaki admirer, including his 1972 TV pilot for Tetsuya Chiba’s “Yuki no Taiyo,” three episodes of the 1972 anime series “Akado Suzunosuke,” the 90-minute press conference announcing his retirement, and a 37-page collector’s book featuring the essay, “The Great Dichotomy: Looking at the Works of Hayao Miyazaki.” It’s probably not worth the double dip if you already own all of his movies on Blu-ray (especially since the extras from those releases have strangely been removed here), but this box set is a must-have for fans of animation, as well as kids who are beginning to outgrow their Disney and Pixar collections.

The Hobbit: The Motion Picture Trilogy – Extended Edition

Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit” trilogy was never going to live up to “The Lord of the Rings,” but it’s still a really solid collection of fantasy films that’s biggest mistake was trying to stretch J.R.R. Tolkien’s moderately sized novel into three movies. Granted, that’s not exactly a glowing recommendation for the extended editions that are collected in this nine-disc box set, but fans of the films will appreciate the added depth – and in the case of the final installment, the longer battle sequences – that the longer runtimes afford. More importantly, however, these extended editions are positively jam-packed with bonus material, including audio commentaries by Jackson and co-writer Philippa Boyens, as well as two additional discs for each movie that contain hours upon hours of behind-the-scenes featurettes detailing every aspect of the production process. Between all three films, there are nearly 30 hours of extras to dig through, which should keep even the most ardent Tolkien admirers busy for several weekends.

Furious 7

The “Fast and Furious” movies have always been about fast cars, beautiful women and ridiculous stunts, but the seventh installment in the long-running series has a weight on its shoulders unlike any sequel/prequel before it. The untimely death of Paul Walker not only affected the film’s production, but the manner in which he died cast a morbid shadow over the project. Thankfully, director James Wan was able to turn a horrible tragedy into a respectful and fitting farewell for Walker that adds a layer of emotion to “Furious 7” that resonates throughout the movie, and now, the entire franchise. Though the plot doesn’t always make sense, partially due to some last-minute rewrites to work around Walker’s absence, it’s easily one of the most entertaining “Fast and Furious” installments yet. The whole thing is every bit as ridiculous as you’d expect, but thanks to some incredibly entertaining action, gravity-defying stunts and the ever-charming ensemble cast, “Furious 7” is an absolute blast.

Mad Max: Fury Road

George Miller may be 70 years old, but that hasn’t stopped him from outclassing filmmakers half his age by making one of the craziest and most badass action movies in ages. Though “Fury Road” looks absolutely gorgeous, with John Seale’s stunning cinematography providing a painterly quality to the visuals, the real reason to see it is for the action. Conceived as one long car chase, the film is packed with some of the most amazing action sequences you’ll ever see. It’s a minor miracle that no one died during the making of this movie, because Miller’s high-adrenaline set pieces are so visceral and unbridled that you genuinely fear for the lives of the actors and stuntmen with each explosion, car flip and crash. The overcranked, sped-up look works better in some places than others, but for the most part, the gonzo vehicular mayhem is a jaw-dropping assault on the senses that gets weirder as it goes along. Every minute of action is pure cinematic magic, and though the movie would have benefited from a tighter runtime and stronger character development, it’s easily Miller’s best “Mad Max” film yet.

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation

The “Mission: Impossible” series has a history of hiring a different director for each installment, and while that’s worked brilliantly thus far, Christopher McQuarrie has made a strong case for retaining his services on the next sequel with “Rogue Nation.” Granted, he doesn’t quite know what to do with Jeremy Renner’s character, but Rebecca Ferguson is a great addition to the team, while comic relief Simon Pegg demonstrates why he’s just as essential to the series as Tom Cruise. But make no mistake about it: this is Cruise’s movie as usual, and when he pulls off crazy stunts like hanging from a military cargo plane while in the air, all you can do is sit back and watch in awe. “Rogue Nation” starts to drag a bit in the end as it gets bogged down by one too many twists, but it’s yet another solid entry in the franchise that proves there’s plenty of gas left in the tank. In addition to its individual release, the film is also available as part of a new five-movie collection featuring the other installments in the series. It’s a great deal if you don’t already own them on Blu-ray, but the content is all the same.

Ant-Man

“Ant-Man” may have been in development for a lot longer than the typical Marvel production, but that didn’t stop director Peyton Reed from producing a funny and fast-paced standalone adventure that weaves in tiny references to the MCU without feeling slavish to the material. In keeping with the studio’s tradition of exploring different genres with each new movie, “Ant-Man” is primarily a heist film that strikes a nice balance between comedy, action and drama. It’s also a movie that has serious daddy issues, featuring parallel father/daughter stories that drive the overall narrative and strengthen the connective tissue of Marvel’s expansive cinematic universe. Though it’s difficult to know exactly how much of Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish’s original script was retained in the final version, the former’s fingerprints are all over the film, especially the climactic third-act battle that takes place entirely inside of a little girl’s bedroom. Still, while “Ant-Man” isn’t quite as out there as Wright’s version likely would have been, it’s an undeniably unique comic book film that’s loaded with charm.

Jurassic World

Though it doesn’t hold a candle to Steven Spielberg’s 1993 original, “Jurassic World” is the sequel that fans have wanted (and deserved) for decades – a big, summer spectacle that understands the DNA of the franchise and doesn’t take itself too seriously. The first act is admittedly a bit messy as director Colin Trevorrow gets all of his pieces on the board, but the story really picks up once the Indominus Rex breaks free from confinement, turning into a full-fledged adventure film with no shortage of dinosaur-fueled destruction. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are both solid in their respective roles, while Vincent D’Onofrio, Irrfan Khan and Jake Johnson round out the excellent cast. Even the two kid actors (Nick Robinson and Ty Simpkins) are pretty likable, and that’s saying something. Granted, the movie isn’t without its flaws (particularly when it comes to basic common sense and logic, like in the climactic dino battle at the end), but it’s an entertaining piece of fan service that atones for the last two sequels.

Inside Out

For a movie studio founded on innovation, it’s been awhile since Pixar has created something truly original, which is why it’s so great to see the animation outfit return to those roots with “Inside Out.” Featuring all the touchstones of a typical Pixar film – it’s funny, charming, clever and touching, often at the same time – “Inside Out” is one of the studio’s most unique features to date, and arguably its most mature as well. Though it borrows generously from the Woody/Buzz road-trip plot of the original “Toy Story,” the movie is incredibly sophisticated, dealing with big-picture ideas that kids may not completely understand on a conceptual level but can still identify with thanks to the way co-directors Pete Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen have deconstructed it. Amy Poehler is smartly cast as the voice of Joy, a perky ball of energy that relishes the leadership role, but it’s Phyllis Smith who is the real standout as Sadness. While the other actors aren’t given as much to do, and the film has a habit of oversimplifying its treatment of Riley’s emotions, including some manufactured conflict that’s a bit flimsy, “Inside Out” makes up for those minor blemishes with boundless levels of creativity that win out every time.

Army of Darkness

While it doesn’t have much in common with the “Evil Dead” films that precede it apart from its main hero and some loosely connected story threads, “Army of Darkness” is hands-down our favorite installment in the series, specifically because it’s not a straight horror movie, but rather a genre-bending fantasy film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. In fact, it’s actually quite cheesy in a B-movie sort of way, although that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable thanks to its immensely quotable one-liners, clever set pieces, Sam Raimi’s trademark visual style and a hilarious performance by Bruce Campbell. The movie is basically “The Evil Dead” meets “Jason and the Argonauts” meets “The Three Stooges,” and while it’s every bit as madcap as it sounds, that’s always been a big part of its appeal. The visual effects haven’t aged particularly well, and the acting leaves much to be desired, but Campbell is such an entertaining performer that he carries the entire film on the strength of his goofball antics and old-fashioned charm. Though horror fans won’t appreciate “Army of Darkness” as much as the previous movies, you won’t find a better representation of Raimi and Campbell’s combined sensibilities.

Either someone at Sony is infatuated with Gary Oldman, or he really did play a lot of villains in the ‘90s, because the veteran actor stars in all three movies from the studio’s new Supreme Cinema Series, a premium Blu-ray line that boasts a 4K restoration and Dolby Atmos soundtrack on every film. The difference that the enhanced video and sound makes to the overall experience is incredible. This is the way that consumers should be watching every movie, and while that’s not possible for a number of reasons, it’s great to see that Sony has chosen films that really benefit from the Supreme Cinema treatment, regardless of whether they’re considered true classics. Though we’re not huge fans of the collection’s debut title, Francis Ford Coppola’s polarizing adaptation of “Dracula,” the other movies released thus far – Luc Besson’s “Leon: The Professional” and “The Fifth Element” – are highly recommended for anyone that loves action films. They’re both a lot of fun and feature Oldman at the top of his mustache-twirling game. All three movies are also available in snazzy, limited edition packaging, but unless the recipient is a diehard collector, there’s no point in paying twice as much for the upgraded case, no matter how nice they may be.

If you have a fan of Buddy the Elf on your shopping list (and really, who doesn’t like the oversized, overjoyed star of “Elf”?), this new Blu-ray edition of the 2003 holiday classic will add a little style to their collection. There’s nothing new about the disc itself compared to previous releases – it features the same bonus material, including audio commentaries by Will Ferrell and director Jon Favreau, as well as various production featurettes – but it comes encased in a collectible Steelbook along with a soundtrack sampler. It’s not the only Christmas film to be re-released by Warner Bros. in special Steelbook packaging, either. Also available are “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (newly remastered and still funny as ever), the Bill Murray-led “Scrooged” (a modern day update of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”), and the 1983 cult classic “A Christmas Story.” There haven’t been many great holiday-themed movies produced in the last 30 years, but these four films have earned their place in the annual Christmas rotation.

Zoolander: The Blue Steelbook

With the long-awaited sequel arriving in theaters early next year, Paramount has released “Zoolander” on Blu-ray for the very first time. Hilariously absurd and loaded with quotable one-liners, Ben Stiller’s biting satire of the fashion industry is a criminally underrated comedy that’s a lot smarter than it appears on the surface. A big part of its success is the chemistry between Stiller’s dim-witted male model and Owen Wilson’s ditzy rival, not to mention Will Ferrell’s performance as eccentric fashion designer-cum-terrorist Mugatu, which still ranks as one of the actor’s most memorable characters of his career. The Blu-ray is part of an exclusive gift set that includes blue Steelbook packaging (Blue Steel, get it?), brand new special features, a ridiculously good-looking headband to channel your inner Zoolander, and a movie ticket for the sequel when it hits theaters. That’s great value for a movie that can be purchased for a little under $15, and at that price, you should consider picking one up for yourself as well.

Dog Day Afternoon: 40th Anniversary

Based on the true story of a bank heist gone horribly wrong, Sidney Lumet’s “Dog Day Afternoon” is one of the seminal films of the 1970s and among the best crime movies ever made. It was also way ahead of its time with its portrayal of LBGT relationships, which makes this new 40th anniversary edition particularly timely in view of the recent transgender movement. Though it took Al Pacino 17 more years before he would finally win his first Oscar, he’s absolutely electric as amateur bank robber Sonny Wortzik, while John Cazale delivers excellent supporting work as his inscrutable partner in crime. The remastered video from the 2007 release still holds up pretty well by today’s standards, and there’s a solid collection of bonus material spread across the two-disc set, including a director commentary, a four-part making-of featurette and the 2009 documentary “I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale.” Any self-respecting movie lover should have “Dog Day Afternoon” in their collection, and what better time than now to remedy that error by adding it to your wish list?

My Fair Lady: 50th Anniversary Edition

This classic musical and eight-time Oscar winner has been painstakingly restored from the original negative and other surviving 65mm elements, and now it’s available in a new high-definition Blu-ray just in time for the 50th anniversary. Starring the stunningly beautiful Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, you have Hollywood royalty headlining one of the most beloved musicals in movie history. This will make a great gift for your mom, grandmother or anyone who loves classic Hollywood as well as the incomparable Hepburn. This edition also has an entire Blu-ray disc dedicated to 90 minutes of special features, including a variety of original trailers and featurettes that were used in theaters to promote the film, along with footage from the movie’s Los Angeles and British premieres in 1964 and the Academy Awards ceremony. It also includes a feature on the making of the film.

]]>2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Movieshttp://blog.bullz-eye.com/2014/12/04/2014-holiday-gift-guide-movies/
Thu, 04 Dec 2014 17:00:48 +0000http://blog.bullz-eye.com/?p=40917These days, if you don’t own a Blu-ray player, you’re missing out, especially with a variety of classic movies being offered in high definition for the first time ever. But while we could easily fill several pages with suggestions of great films and cool box sets that deserve a spot on any holiday wish list, we’ve picked some of our favorites released over the past 12 months. If you can’t find anything worth buying here, then chances are that the person you’re shopping for doesn’t like movies.

Click the links to purchase each product online, and for more gift ideas, check out the other categories in our Holiday Gift Guide.

Steven Spielberg Director’s Collection

It may come as a surprise that Steven Spielberg has only won the Oscar for Best Director twice over the course of his illustrious career, because he’s made some of the most popular and critically-acclaimed films of the past 40 years. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Spielberg spent a majority of his time working under the Universal Pictures banner, and all of those movies have been collected in this fantastic box set, four of which (“Duel,” “Sugarland Express,” “1941” and “Always”) are making their Blu-ray debuts. The other films include perennial favorites like “Jaws,” “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jurassic Park” and “The Lost World,” though for some strange reason, 1993’s “Schindler’s List” (his last Universal picture to date) is nowhere to be found. All of the movies have received gorgeous high-def video transfers, while the included booklet provides background info like fun facts, concept art and storyboards. Though the lesser known films will undoubtedly receive individual releases in the future, this is the only way to own them on Blu-ray at the moment, and that makes the “Steven Spielberg Director’s Collection” a must-have for any self-respecting cinephile.

Stanley Kubrick: The Masterpiece Collection

There are many stories about the difficulties of working with Stanley Kubrick. He was a perfectionist and an introvert, but he was also a cinematic genius responsible for directing some of most innovative and influential films of the past 60 years. Though it doesn’t include any of his earlier work (specifically “Paths of Glory” and “The Killing,” which you can pick up from Criterion), this new Blu-ray set is the closest thing to a definitive collection that you’re likely to find, featuring all eight movies that Kubrick directed between 1960 to 1999: “Spartacus,” “Lolita,” “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Atom Bomb,” “A Clockwork Orange,” “Barry Lyndon,” “The Shining,” “Full Metal Jacket” and “Eyes Wide Shut.” The 10-disc set also boasts a pair of discs dedicated to bonus material, including the previously released documentaries “Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures” and “O’ Lucky Malcolm” (about actor Malcolm McDowell), as well as a trio of new featurettes, “Kubrick Remembered,” “Stanley Kubrick in Focus” and “Once Upon a Time… A Clockwork Orange.” If you don’t already own these films on Blu-ray, now is the time to rectify that.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Hands-down the best Marvel sequel to date, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is a major improvement upon the character’s first solo adventure, thanks in large part to a more interesting arc for its titular hero. The whole conspiracy plot not only creates a sense of foreboding and suspense, but in addressing real-world issues like national security, it lends itself to the moral battle that’s been waging inside Rogers since joining S.H.I.E.L.D. in “The Avengers.” That distrust allows Evans to play the character with a lot more complexity than the typical goody two-shoes Boy Scout, though he receives great support from Scarlett Johannsson’s Black Widow, Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury and Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson/Falcon, who all play an important part in the story. The action in the movie is also top-notch, which is somewhat surprising considering Anthony and Joe Russo have virtually no experience in the genre. The sibling duo is just the latest in Marvel’s line of left-field director choices, and they acquit themselves remarkably well, so much so that they’ve already been invited back for another installment. That’s certainly a just reward for the Russos, because “The Winter Soldier” is a superb continuation of its hero’s cinematic evolution that also serves as a natural bridge to next year’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

Guardians of the Galaxy

Marvel Studios has a history of taking some big risks, from the men behind the camera to those in front of it, and “Guardians of the Galaxy” is perhaps their biggest one yet. Not only is the comic book on which it’s based an unknown quantity to most filmgoers, but James Gunn isn’t exactly the first person you’d think of to direct a big-budget comic book movie. Despite his lack of experience, Gunn repaid the faith that Kevin Feige placed in him by producing one of the most purely fun Marvel films to date, absolutely nailing the offbeat tone of the source material like some kind of punk rock “Star Wars.” Chris Pratt oozes charisma as the Han Solo-like ruffian, and Michael Rooker gets some of the best moments as mohawked space pirate Yondu, but it’s the rambunctious Rocket (as voiced by Bradley Cooper) who steals the show in hilarious fashion. Finding that balance where all five characters are represented equally isn’t an easy feat, but Gunn does a good job of giving each one the attention they deserve, both in the action and the more low-key dialogue scenes. The movie isn’t perfect by any means, but if the objective was to make a funny, action-packed and slightly off-kilter space opera that introduced audiences to the Guardians and left them wanting more when it ended, well… mission accomplished.

The LEGO Movie

When “The LEGO Movie” was first announced, there were obvious concerns about whether it would just play like one long commercial for the popular toy brand. But while the folks at LEGO have undoubtedly seen a nice bump in business since its release, the film is so much more than that – smart, funny and surprisingly heartfelt. A lot of that credit goes to directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who bring the LEGO universe to life with the sort of boundless imagination that the movie preaches to its audience. Though the script borrows heavily from “The Matrix” (from its main story, to the three leads, to its anti-conformist message), that’s merely the setup for a much more sophisticated payoff that is equally daring and brilliant. For as great as the film’s ending may be, however, it wouldn’t feel earned if the first two-thirds weren’t so enjoyable. And thanks to some incredible visuals, great voice work and hilarious gags, “The LEGO Movie” is one of the best and most creative animated films in years.

Snowpiercer

For the science fiction addict in your life, this movie that took the art house circuit by storm this summer will be fine addition to their collection. Cut from the same satirical cloth as Terry Gilliam’s “Brazil,” “Snowpiercer” takes place in the future aboard a train housing the remnants of humanity. See, mankind tried to do something about climate change, only they did the wrong thing, which resulted in Earth turning into a giant ice cube. And so Snowpiercer, the beast of a train, circles the planet year in and out, while its denizens are broken up into classes, with the lowest living in poverty at the back of the locomotive. A bloody revolt, which intends to make its way to the front of the train, is led by Curtis Everett (Chris Evans), who has distant memories of a time when the Earth was as we know it now. But Curtis has other memories, too – memories dating back to first boarding the train 17 years ago, and they’re considerably less pleasant. “Snowpiercer” is as unsettlingly dark as it is poignantly funny, and anyone comfortable with those two extremes will find plenty to appreciate in this allegory reminiscent of the sci-fi fare of the early ‘70s.

Star Trek: The Compendium

Before he went off to go play in a galaxy far, far away, J.J. Abrams rebooted another beloved sci-fi series with “Star Trek” and “Star Trek Into Darkness.” Though his “Star Wars” commitments will prevent the director from tackling the upcoming third installment in the revitalized franchise, Paramount has re-released the first two movies in a four-disc collection called “Star Trek: The Compendium.” Silly as it may seem to buy a compilation like this with the knowledge that more films are on the way, “The Compendium” has a few tricks up its sleeves. While the “Star Trek” discs are exactly the same as the original Blu-ray release, “Star Trek Into Darkness” comes with all of the previous bonus material, as well as the exclusive extras spread amongst different retailers during its initial release. This includes the awesome Enhanced Commentary track, deleted scenes, a gag reel and 16 short featurettes ranging from make-up effects and costumes, to editing and on-set pranks. For those that don’t already own these movies on Blu-ray, or diehard fans that must have every single special feature produced, “The Compendium” was made just for you.

A Hard Day’s Night

The first of many feature-length films starring the iconic rock group, “A Hard Day’s Night” is a bit of a mixed bag, but it’s one that fans of the Beatles will undoubtedly enjoy. Though the movie drags a little in the second half as the band prepares for their concert (the Ringo subplot is especially sluggish), there’s so much great material in the scenes leading up to it that it’s easy to forgive. The opening 30 minutes in particular are chockfull of laughs, fully embracing the zany humor of the band members with such manic energy that it’s almost impossible to keep up at times. (The infamous Lennon/Coke bit is practically treated like a throwaway gag.) And as you’d expect from a film starring the Beatles, “A Hard Day’s Night” also features some excellent musical performances, with director Richard Lester wisely shooting each one in a different style so that they don’t become stale by the time the big finale rolls around. But while it’s always a joy to see the Beatles perform, the movie works first and foremost as a comedy with musical bits in between. And running. Lots and lots of running.

Audrey Hepburn Collection

Audrey Hepburn is one of the most beloved film actresses of her generation, so it only seems fitting that she receives a Blu-ray set worthy of that legacy. Unfortunately, this new collection from Warner Bros. doesn’t quite fit the bill, but that’s because it only contains three movies: “Sabrina,” “Funny Face” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Granted, those are some of the actress’ best films, though the lack of other favorites like “My Fair Lady,” “Charade” and “Roman Holiday” (mostly due to rights issues with other studios) prevents this from being the truly definitive collection that fans deserve. With that said, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better 1-2-3 punch than the movies compiled in this box set – each with a healthy dose of bonus material from their recent individual releases – and it’s a great representation of Hepburn’s remarkable career. This is the perfect gift for any classic film enthusiast, or conversely, as a starter course for those not yet versed in Audrey Hepburn’s cinematic catalog.

Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection

For fans of Universal’s classic monster movies, it’s hard to imagine a better collection than this 30-film set, which contains “Dracula,” “Frankenstein,” “The Mummy,” “The Wolf Man,” “The Invisible Man” and “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” as well their many sequels and spin-offs, including a trio of movies starring Abbott and Costello. Though it’s only available on DVD (the 2012 Essential Collection featuring the aforementioned debuts is the best you’ll find on Blu-ray), the films look and sound surprisingly good for not being in high definition. The box set also comes with a 48-page collectible book, the 1931 Spanish version of “Dracula,” and hours of special features and audio commentaries. However, while casual horror fans will find plenty to enjoy about this collection, it should be stressed that it’s the truly diehard ones – the kind that love obscure titles like “Revenge of the Creature” and “She-Wolf of London” just as much as the originals – who will appreciate it the most. And best of all, you can pick it up on Amazon for only $75, which works out to less than $1.50 per movie.

Herzog: The Collection

For the foreign or art film lover that you know, there can surely be no sounder purchase than this jaw-dropping limited edition collection of films from German auteur Werner Herzog, all making their Blu-ray debut here, remastered and spotless. Starting with one of his earliest pictures, 1970’s “Even Dwarfs Started Small,” a film that literally chronicles what happens when the inmates run the asylum, the set goes all the way to 1999’s “My Best Fiend,” in which Herzog himself details his frequently insane working relationship with the late Klaus Kinski. In between those two, there are 14 other films presented here (both fiction and documentary), including all five pictures Herzog and Kinski collaborated on: “Aguirre, The Wrath of God,” “Woyzeck,” “Nosferatu: The Vampyre,” “Fitzcarraldo” and “Cobra Verde.” All the films are housed in a lavish, sturdy book, which includes over 40 pages of essay material covering each film in the set. Also included are audio commentaries on nearly every film with the man himself, several documentaries, audio conversations with Herzog and theatrical trailers. It’s a feast; a veritable Herzog feast!

Eraserhead

One never quite knows exactly where to begin discussing David Lynch’s feature film debut “Eraserhead.” Weird is the most obvious jumping off point. Frightening is another. Darkly comic might be yet another angle, though few would be likely to laugh on a first viewing. Set against a bleak, industrial landscape, and featuring a couple and their horribly deformed baby, it’s anyone’s guess what the nebulous, meandering storyline Lynch concocted is really about. Part of the beauty of the film – and make no mistake, it is a thing of sick, twisted beauty – is what each individual viewer brings to the experience, and what they take away from it. It’s a movie that practically defies conventional film criticism, yet begs for groups of people to sit around trading ideas and discussing it after a viewing party. Criterion has put together a fine celebration of a disc: A new 4K digital restoration of the film; the 2001 making-of, “Eraserhead Stories,” that’s nearly as engrossing as the movie itself; six classic Lynch short films that predate the feature presentation; new interviews with cast and crew; and a gorgeous 64-page booklet loaded with pictures and a lengthy archival interview with Lynch himself.

White Christmas: Diamond Anniversary Edition

This 1954 holiday perennial built around the music of Irving Berlin is widely beloved and so deeply nonchalant that holiday stress magically evaporates as the credits roll. A trifling blend of musical-comedy romance and low-key patriotism about two showbiz stars and ex-servicemen (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) and two attractive newcomers (Vera Ellen and Rosemary Clooney) trying to help Dean Jagger’s kindly retired general get his Vermont ski lodge off the ground, it’s the cinematic equivalent of a cup of eggnog, with an extra-large dose of sweetness and schmaltz. Indeed, “White Christmas” avoids significance at every turn, though film buffs will note that it was directed by Michael Curtiz (“Casablanca”) and is the first production made in the high-resolution VistaVision format. Anyone who grew up loving this film via horribly mangled TV prints will enjoy seeing it in something more like its original big screen glory, as well as the many extras included with on this four-disc set, including an audio commentary by Rosemary Clooney and a holiday music CD featuring songs from the movie’s stars.